Fare thee well, brother.

I know we've not had the best of equations over the years. I know that we've not been 'brothers' and shared our problems with each other. But I also know that I have always cared for you and that you care for me too.

It's tough to see you go so far and for so long and I am so full of regret today for not having spent enough time with you, but at the same time I'm hopeful that tomorrow will be better, that you will nail it in Spain, come back stronger, smarter and wiser.

I know we'll not stay in touch blah blah, because your life is going to be way cooler than mine, haha! which is why I want you to keep in mind these 5 things that I think may help you in this journey:

1. Befriend.
Make friends wherever you go and choose your go-to people wisely. These friendships may last a lifetime. Your friends will shape your life and you will shape theirs. Make sure it's for the better.

2. Exhibit grit.
Exhibit grit and determination throughout and stay focussed. This is the most important trait that'll decide how far you go in life.

3. Stay humble.
Help, guide, care and lend a ear to those in need. Remember your roots and value the power of benevolence. Humility is magnetic, charming and sexy.

4. Make your choices.
You are not going there to live someone else's life and you are old enough to make your choices. Don't let any pressure bog you down and always back yourself. The choices you make will define you so seek advise but don't blindly take it.

5. I'm there.
There are moments when everything seems fucked up and life's a mess, these are moments when you need to sit back, take a deep breath and give time some time. I don't know if you will, but I want you to give me a call in such times and I promise we'll see it through, together.

I say good bye to you with utmost faith in your capabilities and trust in your decisions. Enjoy your time and travel the world, you have my travel tips and my wallet, always. Come back with that billion dollar idea and we'll do the needful, together. Cheers!

Say Hi! to Nadal.
Bye Diku!
Love you. Yes I do.

- your best friend to be,
Nukul.

Bajaj Motorcycles Ad.

Ride into an open world.

I don't divide,
I don't discriminate,
I am what makes one,
From many who hesitate.

Looking for the silver lining,
I tear through the cages.
I am what tapes the cut,
Of beliefs, faiths and wages.

Instilling you with unending hope,
I inspire, I let you dream and leap.
Limits limit the commoners,
You're meant to fly and dive deep.

I salute, I respect and bow down,
No matter what flag is unfurled.
I am what let's you ride,
Ride into an open world.

HUII 2017.

HUII 2017.

As usual, here's a summary of the 2 day conference over the weekend, at Trident, Mumbai.

Lovely delegates. Reasonably well organised. Rational and humble speakers. Here are a few takeaways from the conference:

1. Look for open spaces. New opportunities always exist, seize them at the earliest. Enter the market when everyone else is new too. Stay ahead and innovate constantly, because in today's world, the winner takes it all. - Sunil Mittal, Bharti Enterprises.

2. A woman can have it all. For that matter, both men and women can. It just depends on what 'all' means to you and how determined you are. - Arundhati Bhattacharya, SBI.

3. Sometimes, we believe in certain solutions out of frustration, emotion and anger. It may be the more convenient way out, but is not always the right way. There is no better solution than dialogue.
- Muhammed Khan, Lawyer and Congressman.

4. Taking money from the State for promoting sports is not even an option. It'll take us nowhere. I believe that private investment in 20-25 world class sports facilities across India will be enough to help us make it to the top 5 globally. - Parth Jindal, JSW Steel.

5. Silence is the biggest form of terrorism. You not only have the right to speak up when wronged, but also the duty to fight the wrong and stand united against it. - Ashoke Pandit, Filmmaker and Activist.

6. It is the readers who have to decide what type of content they wish to read. If you come across something provoking, incorrect or baseless, you should know that you are reading the wrong newspaper. Don't fall for a narrative, read between the lines. - Anant Goenka, Indian Express.

Lastly, the conference reiterated the importance of opening up about ones mental health and discussing it. I have personally been very proactive about this with my peers and I wish to tell you that if there is anything troubling you, I'm listening. #LetsTalk

I met some wonderfully inspiring souls over the weekend and I hope to stay in touch with you all. Good luck with your ambitions and as I always say, keep rising. Cheers!

Women that inspire.

I met some lovely people over the weekend and I'll share my experiences with a few of them in the posts to come.

Couldn't begin with a better collage than this. One that has some of India's most inspiring ladies in it.

Shikha Sharma
CEO, Axis Bank.

Arundhati Bhattacharya
Chair-Managing Director, SBI.

Chanda Kochhar
MD & CEO, ICICI Bank.

These are women who have braved the society dominated by men.
Women who have had to prove their mettle each day, more so because they're women.
Women who have backed themselves, believed in their abilities and led by example.
Women who have maintained a near perfect balance between their work and household 'duties'.
Most importantly, these are women who have inspired millions of other women across the globe to DREAM. To believe that they can do it too and it's just a matter of grit, determination and resilience.

To all the women reading this, more often than not, you will have to display these traits. This may not apply to your male counterparts as much, but don't bog down. You'll emerge stronger and victorious.

And to all those who have ever thought of succumbing to pressure and giving up, never stop dreaming. They do come true.

#IAmForEqualRights #Inspired

Happy Birthday Maa!

When I haven't kept well,
You've had sleepless nights.
You have spent all these years,
Trying to stop those little fights.

You are what binds us all,
You are what prevents our fall.
You are the reason why we still stand tall,
You are the reason I can run now,
When I could barely crawl.

You are undervalued Maa,
For granted you are taken.
But you manage to look beyond our flaws,
No matter how much we are mistaken.

You are the most beautiful person I know,
The most selfless being ever.
I can't imagine life without you Mumma,
I can be without you never.

You are a superwoman,
You are the strongest person I know.
Nothing can wear out your unconditional love,
Neither rain, nor snow.

For all the care, love, food, chiding and encouragement,
To thank you, I don't have a way.
I just hope you're there with me till my last,
And I wish you a blessed and Happy Birthday. :')

Valentine.

I can count the days I've known you for,

On the tip of my finger.

But what's transpired in this time,

Just makes me linger.

There's more to you than your mesmerising self,

You're more than just magical.

You made me go mad in a jiffy,

It's just so damn comical.

I dont know where this will lead,

I just want it to stay.

Trust me babe, without you now,

I just can't end my day.

Let's live this moment to the fullest,

And hope this stays forever.

You're a dream come true, you're beautiful,

I've felt like this never.

I know we're friends and I'm not worth you,

But that doesn't stop me from tryin'.

Baby, you complete me,

Will you be my Valentine?